Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Technician

The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands is hiring a Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Technician for a full-time position in Florida. The role involves hands-on work in wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and outdoor recreation projects, including monitoring species and maintaining recreation areas. Candidates should have a background in natural resources or environmental science, with experience in field data collection preferred. The position requires a valid driver's license and the ability to pass a federal background check.
Salary: $40,000–$43,000 per year

Position Summary:

Colorado State University’s Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) is hiring a Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Technician for a full-time, 12-month position supporting natural resource management at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

This entry-level position offers hands-on experience in wildlife conservation, protected species management, habitat restoration, and outdoor recreation projects.

Key Responsibilities:
• Install & maintain silt fences for gopher tortoise translocation pens.
• Assist in digging starter burrows and processing tortoises before release.
• Conduct shorebird and sea turtle monitoring, as needed.
• Perform recreation area maintenance, including installing fences, picnic tables, signs, kiosks, fire rings, and gates, as well as mowing, hedging, and weed trimming.
• Support special-opportunity hunts (deer & turkey), game check stations, youth fishing rodeo, and deer spotlight surveys.
• Operate gas-powered tools (mowers, augers, trimmers, blowers), battery-powered tools (grinders, drills), hand tools, and specialty equipment.
• Experience with tractors, skid steers, and welders is a plus but not required.
• Assist in wildlife disease testing & genetic sampling, including roadkill collection.
• Adapt to seasonal needs and shifting priorities throughout the year.

Work Environment:
• Hot & humid conditions with exposure to biting insects, poisonous plants, and venomous snakes.

Qualifications Required:
• Interest in federal lands management.
• Pursuing or completed a B.S. in natural resources, environmental science, ecosystem science, or environmental policy.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver’s license (required for operating federal vehicles).
• Ability to pass a federal background check for a DoD Installation Access Pass.
• U.S. work authorization (CEMML does not provide visa sponsorship).

Preferred:
• Graduate degree or enrollment in natural resources, biology, or environmental science-related fields.
• Experience with:
• Field data collection & entry (paper & digital formats).
• GPS equipment for field data collection.
• Flora & fauna monitoring (specify taxa/ecosystem experience).
• Habitat restoration & invasive species management.
• Manual labor using powered tools & heavy equipment (chainsaws, weed-eaters, mowers, tractors, ATVs/UTVs, etc.).
• GIS software training or experience.

Application Instructions
• Apply via https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/159777.
• Submit:
• Resume detailing relevant experience.
• Cover Letter explaining qualifications, interests, and career goals.
• Three professional references (name, email, phone).
• Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
• Start Date: After May 13, 2025

Contact Information:

Name: CEMML ECDP Team

Email: CEMML_ECDP@colostate.edu

About Eglin AFB & CEMML

Eglin Air Force Base spans 465,000 acres, making it one of the world’s largest forested military installations. Its 405,000 acres of undeveloped land support timber management, endangered species conservation, erosion control, prescribed burning, and outdoor recreation.

CEMML applies science-based solutions for sustainable land management on DoD installations, conducting research, education, and career development programs for natural & cultural resource conservation.

Learn more:
• Eglin AFB: https://www.eglin.af.mil
• CEMML’s Mission: http://www.cemml.colostate.edu